Satellite images show suspected structure at disputed South China Sea atoll, but later gone
Recent satellite images indicated the presence of a possible structure at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea, but later images showed it was no longer there. The Philippines is investigating reports of this structure, which has been a point of contention since China took control in 2012. The situation remains tense, with fears that ongoing disputes could escalate into conflict.
- ▪Satellite images confirmed a possible structure at Scarborough Shoal last week, but it was absent in later images.
- ▪The Philippines is looking into reports of the structure, which China has attempted to block since 2012.
- ▪Scarborough Shoal is a highly disputed maritime area, with frequent clashes between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine fishermen.
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A satellite image shows a possible raft at the opening to Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea, Saturday. Reuters-YonhapSatellite images obtained by Reuters confirmed the presence of a structure at the entrance of the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea last week, though later imagery suggests it is no longer there.The Philippines said on Wednesday it was investigating reports about the presence of a new structure on the Scarborough Shoal, which China has at times attempted to block since it seized de facto control of the atoll in 2012.Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro received raw information about the presence of the structure, he told reporters on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue — a regional defence forum — in Singapore on Saturday.Photographs taken…
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